Stendel: “We keep the gap and we’re happy with a point.”

Daniel Stendel spoke to the media after the goalless draw at Portsmouth.

The Gaffer reserved special praise for his captain, Adam Davies, who performed impeccably to increase his growing tally of clean sheets, making a point-saving penalty save in the second half.

“We’re very satisfied with his performance." Stendel stated, post-match.

"It’s important that when we need him, he’s there, that was the case today, we’ve got good players in all positions and goalkeeper is definitely a strong one.

“Portsmouth had pressure on our goal which made it not so easy. We’re very happy that our goalkeeper can save the ball, it’s not an easy thing to do, Adam Davies put in a great performance and after this, I remember thinking we could go on and win.”

On the game itself, it was clear that both teams were trying to win the match, but overall the feeling at Fratton Park in front of nearly 19,000 supporters was that a point was the fairest result.

“I think it was a hard game and both teams wanted to win the game. I think on our counter-attacks, we were not so fresh, the final passes were not so good. We had more chances after the first 15 minutes of the second half.

“Both teams had chances, I think we had the biggest after the penalty with Dani Pinillos and Jacob Brown, but I think for both teams that one point is ok, we keep the gap and we’re happy with a point today.”

Both Stendel and Assistant Coach Dale Tonge had stated in the build-up to the game that the Reds would come to Portsmouth and try to win. It was clear to see in the approach that their side did go all out for the three points, but found a home side doing the exact same.

As the Gaffer explained: “There was a lot of pace in the game, both teams wanted to play with counter-attacks so there was no time to save energy! In the end, I think it was nice to see for the supporters, there was total action, not boring. We would have liked to control the game a little bit more but I think Portsmouth’s manager will say the same, a point is fair.”

Stendel joked that he said the same thing every week about the supporters, but he gave a special mention again to the travelling army of fans who made the long-trip. Nearly 2,000 were packed in behind the goal, making themselves heard at all times.

“I repeat this every week, especially after away games. So many people came to support us today, it was a very good atmosphere, the stadium was full and there was also a lot of Portsmouth fans too, but you could always hear ours. Our best chances came in front of our supporters which shows how important they are.”